Small acts of bravery

A daily commitment to redefining what inclusion looks like in youth football.

“Small acts of bravery are what make massive changes.

“You realize a lot of the change just starts with you.”

Joe Marinkovich is helping to redefine what inclusion looks like in youth football as a daily commitment.

Born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska, Joe’s own journey through soccer shaped how he now views and builds community.

As a young player, he saw firsthand how differences in background could lead to misunderstandings and how important connection can be in bridging that gap.

That experience inspires the work he does today by creating environments where every young person, no matter their background, identity, or orientation, can show up as themselves and thrive.

Today, Joe is the director of programming at Football in the World USA, a grassroots organization which is an important part of the Common Goal network.

Joe’s model of inclusion is proactive. At Football for the World, they do not wait for someone to ask to belong, it’s about building structures where all identities can be welcomed.

“That is our approach to LGBTQ+ inclusion.

“Putting it in writing, codify it, making it essential. It’s not just like a nice to have. It’s a must have.”

This approach was solidified through Play Proud, Common Goal’s LGBTQ+ inclusion training an experience that was transformative for Joe, both personally and professionally.

“I’ve grown as a Director of Programming.

“I’ve learned how to use the network to my advantage, find the like-minded people who are in sport-based youth development.

“Play Proud gave me a lot of confidence to know that I am developing myself as an expert in the field and industry as well.”

Joe’s leadership has led to a range of initiatives.

He increased visibility with inclusive signage throughout FFTW’s Socca League, sending a clear message that everyone is welcome, and distributing rainbow laces to young players who sign the Play Proud Pledge.

His programming also includes a coach training focusing on LGBTQ+ inclusion and mental health.

Building on these efforts across the community, Joe participated in a Team Talk, a space for personal storytelling and joined Omaha’s first new queer recreational team competing in weekly league. He also collaborates with the Proud Owls,Union Omaha’s LGBTQ+ supporters’ group, strengthening community ties.

“It’s about more than visibility, it’s about authenticity,” Joe says.

"That space feels very authentic.

“We strive to be as safe of a space as possible, we play on Friday nights underneath the lights, it's just this magical bubble of self-discovery.

“And it's done through a lot of the prep work.

“The storytelling, the world-building, to really say, hey coaches, we're all in on this together.”

“Fall in love with the journey. You’re constantly forcing yourself to change, to get excited about the process again. And then you get to see what happens because of that.”

Inclusion, to Joe, is about courage, structure, and consistency. It’s about the small decisions that build and transform a community.

This is what it looks like to build the game for everyone.

This is what it means to Play Proud.

You can find out more information about Football for the World here: https://www.footballfortheworld.org/  and Play Proud 👉 https://www.common-goal.org/CollectiveProject/Details/Play-Proud